Indian Illegal Immigration To US Via 'Donkey Route' Drops 70%

The sharp decline follows a coordinated effort by U.S. and Indian authorities to dismantle human smuggling networks, particularly in Punjab, a key departure point for many migrants. Direct deportation flights from the U.S. to India have also increased, raising the risk of being sent back.

Smugglers, who once charged upwards of $100,000 for the perilous journey through multiple countries, now face greater difficulty in moving people undetected. Tougher border checks and surveillance along transit routes have made the illegal passage both costlier and more likely to fail.

Local police in Punjab have intensified raids on known smuggling hubs, arresting dozens of operators and freezing their assets. This has disrupted the supply chain of false documents and safe houses that facilitated the route.

The reduction is a significant shift from previous years, when thousands of Indians attempted to enter the U.S. illegally. Advocacy groups say the trend may push some migrants to seek legal pathways, though they warn that desperation could drive others to try even riskier methods.

Officials expect the numbers to stay low as long as enforcement remains strict, but they acknowledge that smugglers adapt quickly and may shift their operations to other regions or countries.